Ronaldo, who left Real for Juventus in July, won the award for the past two years, but Modric is looking a serious threat after winning the World Cup's Golden Ball and the Uefa Player of the Year award this year.

"Maybe there are players with more marketing, with a bigger name," Ramos said. "But Modric deserves that award."

It was taken by many as a shot at Ronaldo, who along with Mohamed Salah, completes the three-man list.

Ramos will be facing Modric when Spain and Croatia meet in a League A, Group 4 clash in the Uefa Nations League in Elche tomorrow morning (Singapore time).

Spain midfielder Saul Niguez, who scored in their 2-1 win over England on Saturday, is relishing his meeting with Modric.